Great white hopes of UK metal, Eden Maine, have uttered the grim words that music fans have come to dread - the band have announced they are retreating on an "indefinate hiatus".

Having made a formidable name for themselves from the start, releasing a critically acclaimed debut EP produced by Kurt Ballou of Converge, Eden Maine impressed crowds and critics in and out of the UK with their ear-splitting live shows and have been frequently put forward in recent years as one of the most promising metal/hardcore bands to emerge from Britain. Despite having only released their debut album earlier this year, the band have cancelled their upcoming shows and issued the following statement:

"Firstly, our apologies for cancelling the show in Bristol and support of God Forbid.

"Regretfully this is due to our decision to take an indefinite hiatus. Things haven't quite gone according to plan for us; despite awesome reviews for To You The First Star and three amazing months touring the UK and Europe, it's taken its toll on us financially, forcing us to cancel any plans we had including a North American release.

"When you do so much off your own back, follow the dream and take chances sometimes you just have to be realistic and for our own collective sanity we've taken this decision to take the strain off each other and get things straight. This isn't Eden Maine splitting up; this is just us going away for a while. We will still be getting together to write a new record, so we may just surprise you when you least expect it. Also, look out for other projects from each of us. It's a good time for us to experiment with other ideas and tread paths we may not have gone down as Eden Maine. We also hope to put the video for 'Cold Light' online in the near future. It was put together some time ago now but contains so many of the great times we've had together on tour that we'd like to share it with you.

"So that's it for now, the forum will remain active so we'll keep you up to date with news on our new material and other projects. Sincere thanks to those who have given us such amazing support so far, it's meant a lot. Feel free to contact us anytime.

"For now, be good. Eden Maine xx"

DiScuss: Will they make like At The Drive-In and disappear into the ether, only to re-emerge as rock bumblers and prog maniacs? Or will Eden Maine refresh their heads, return and deliver an album that'll slay all your faces?